Not the sort of band you would expect to hear coming out of the fantastically named NSW country town Deniliquin, DESTRENDS and their new single Papa sounds a lot more industrial than their roots.
DESTRENDS’ aggressive approach to post punk and their virile live performances have pricked up quite a few ears over the last 12 months. You should probably start listening too.
Opening with a punch from all instruments. Papa’s catchy, aggressive guitar riff lays the base for an energy laden track about a “ruined family Christmas” and subsequent battle for forgiveness.
Singer Mat Savage’s distinct baritone is a perfect fit for the bands post punk sound, which is amazing considering that he became the groups singer by default after they couldn’t find a singer for their early gigs. Perhaps a blessing in disguise, Savage’s tonal qualities and great pronunciation are a real trademark of Papa and the emerging DESTRENDS sound.
Brothers Matt and Nathan Savage spent their youth in country NSW focusing on music, becoming synonymous with their craft in their little patch of paradise.
After moving to Melbourne and meeting guitarist Billy Watts, son of Cosmic Psychos guitarist Robbie Watts, Matt brushed the cobwebs off his bass and got writing in the lounge room with Billy. After putting together some punky riffs the boys decided bringing brother Nathan in to the fold on the drums and DESTRENDS was born.
Becoming enamoured with Melbourne’s virile punk scene – which was likely influenced by Billy’s connection through his father – the band has become known for their gothic leanings and theatrical performances.
Being good enough to answer a few questions for us, I asked Matt what if anything inspires the theatre that comes with their performance. His answer “If we got onstage as our every day selves I wouldn’t expect anyone to be interested” is as a good response as any.
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He went on to note his admiration for other charismatic Aussie performers like Peter Garrett and Doc Neeson who were both notorious for their captivating stage presence while performing live. Not bad blokes to admire.
Looking forward to embarking on their first tour where they are the headline act, Matt says the boys are excited to test drive their new material and “share what they have been working on with new crowds.”
With a new EP in the works, which Matt says has been worked on since the band formed two years ago, the boys feel as though they have enough live experience to head in to the tour with great excitement.
Having toured with the likes of the Hoodoo Gurus, Apes and their ‘soul sisters’ Stonefield, the boys are no strangers to the demands that come with being on the road. Matt acknowledges the wisdom shared with them by Stonefield, who they supported on their Golden Dream tour, saying that they were the ones that really “showed them the ropes” in terms of what it takes to tour Australia as a live band at the moment.
With great mentors and the subsequent positivity to go along with their reputation as a great live act, we are sure that DESTRENDS upcoming tour will not disappoint. Papa is the new single from DESTRENDS. Post punk with a theatrical gothic edge, keep your eye out for the boys upcoming tour dates and their eagerly anticipated EP!
Upcoming Shows:
Fri Aug 5 – Mynt Lounge, Werribee
Sat Aug 6 – The Loft, Warrnambool
Fri Aug 12 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Sat Aug 13 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
Fri Aug 19 – Transit Bar, Canberra
Sat Aug 20 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
Sun Aug 21 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney
Fri Aug 26 – St. Kilda Pier, St. Kilda
